Five Of The Best Ecotourism Trips For Nature Lovers

16.10.2023 - 15:17 / forbes.com

Tired of tourists, long lines, smoggy cities, and commercialized entertainment? While those options have a place in our vacation plans, more and more travelers are moving away from tourist-heavy destinations in favor of quieter, nature-loving adventures.

According to a report by Grandview Research, growth in ecotourism comes from a desire for immersive travel and outdoor activities that do not adversely affect the environment, instead educating on how to interact with and preserve it. Whether by land or sea, ecotourism and sustainable travel are on the rise, and why not? It’s not just responsible — it’s fun!

Here are my picks for five trips across the nation that bring you closer to nature while protecting the environment.

Seeing nighttime sea life is usually a treat reserved only for scuba divers, but in select spots around the world, bioluminescent organisms glow close to the surface. In the Maldives, they wash in with the waves, leaving a trail of sparkling gems in their wake. But you don’t have to go nearly that far for these rare sightings. In St. Augustine, Florida, make your way to Guana Lake, where Geotrippin Kayak Adventures will hook you up with everything you need to watch the nighttime waters come alive.

Hop in a kayak and join a small group paddling out into the lake and through estuaries where the river meets the sea. As the sun sets and the sky darkens, dip your small fishing net into the water and watch as the swirl lights up with comb jellies and dinoflagellates. You can even capture them in a cup and study them up close, then release them back into the water.

By day, kayak the Matanzas River Basin, where you will see everything from dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles to wading birds and oysters. The expert guides at Geotrippin will educate you on the history of this ecosystem, the science behind it, and the flora and fauna that make it special. Owner Bed Brandao is all about protecting the environment and letting it work its magic, so tours are engaging and interactive.

The bioluminescent nighttime kayak tour is appropriate for all levels, even first-time kayakers, but there are only 12 spots open each night, so make your reservations early!

Self-sustainability has become all the rage in recent years, but many people don’t know how to get started. While most are comfortable with a small backyard garden, they have no idea what wild plants are safe to pick, let alone consume.

Here’s a way to turn your vacation into an opportunity to learn the history and science behind foraging from experts in the field. Through Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute, you can have an educational adventure, or, as they call it, “a classroom without walls.”

Meet up with a foraging expert who will